England give Fleming unprecedented consent to balance job with TV role in New Zealand

England’s new Test head coach Stephen Fleming will return to New Zealand to work as a commentator on the Black Caps’ Test and white ball series against India next month despite having formally started work.Fleming arrived in England on Monday for a 10-day trip which will feature talks with captain Joe Root and the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) managing director of men’s cricket, Rob Key, after missing this summer’s three-Test series against Pakistan with the batting coach, Marcus Trescothick, presiding over a 3-0 win.The ECB granted Fleming a late start date after confirming his appointment in late July as the former New Zealand captain had requested the opportunity to spend time with his family after ending a 17-year run coaching the Chennai Super Kings this summer. The board has been similarly flexible in accommodating his commentary work.Sky New Zealand, which has no connection to the UK broadcaster Sky Sports that has exclusive rights to England’s home matches, announced on Monday that Fleming will be part of its commentary team for the India tour which comprises two Tests, five one-day internationals and five T20s running between 22 October and 1 December.Fleming’s commentary role is unprecedented for an England head coach but has been approved by the ECB. His predecessor as Test coach, Brendon McCullum, left as co-host of SENZ radio’s Breakfast Show with the former All Black Israel Dagg after he was appointed four years ago by the ECB, although he did continue to give them interviews and make guest appearances.Fleming’s first assignment with England will be a three-Test series in South Africa in December and January, with planning for the tour to take place during talks with Root over the next few weeks.The 53-year-old spoke to Root and Trescothick throughout the Pakistan series, playing some part in selection, but appears intent on remaining based in New Zealand when not preparing for a Test series.McCullum was widely criticised for missing the start of the County Championship this summer by delaying his return to England until the end of May before his final Test series in charge, against New Zealand, the following month.